Innovations in Social Impact at Bloom

Co-Founders Chris Dickson and Ashleigh Small

St Catherine’s is home to the Centre for Youth Innovation, a program that allows young people to grow their entrepreneurial skills and pursue their passion projects. However, entrepreneurship isn’t just about making money. Many of the projects that come from the Bloom Lab aim to solve problems in our communities. Previous projects have looked at addressing negative body image in young women, stigmas around the LGBTQ+ community, preventing fast fashion and even protecting native bees.

One project that focuses on social impact is Hello Initiative, a not-for-profit start-up that seeks to improve social and judicial outcomes for young people in the criminal justice system. Hello Initiative was founded in 2019 by two UWA students, Ashleigh Small and Chris Dickson. Read on to hear more about how they grew their project with innovative thinking.

What inspired you to use entrepreneurship to tackle a social justice issue? 

No-one else seemed to address these challenges in an innovative way, and the old system wasn't working. The youth justice system was ripe for some disruption and the community need was clear. We wanted to deliver a 'risky' program and we were willing to take that risk on ourselves as a start-up 

What are some of the challenges Hello Initiative has come across? 

Changing community perceptions around young people in the justice system. We try to reduce fear and promote the understanding that while young people may make mistakes, our community should still be invested in their reform and their future opportunities. Funding a small charity that works in a complex (and controversial) sector, especially during a global pandemic is also an ongoing challenge.

What would you say to someone who is interested in getting involved with social justice outcomes?

Lean in and learn more about a problem that you feel passionate about. You don't need experience - if someone else had solved this problem before we wouldn't have it, so why not try something? Volunteering and social impact work is hard, make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. It's also the most rewarding thing you can do, so don't be put off, just be confident. 

Hello Initiative Team at UWA

Chris speaking at a Bloom Pitch Night at St Catherine’s College